POTSDAM, N.Y.—Brockport (2-6, 1-1 SUNYAC) used a first half surge to grab the lead and never relinquished it en route to a 62-57 victory over the SUNY Potsdam men’s basketball team (3-5, 1-3). Golden Eagle sophomore guard John Ivy scored a game-high 21 points to lead Brockport. Junior captain Curtis Pierce paced the Bears with 19 points and seven rebounds.

The first half pace was furious as the two SUNYAC rivals played up-tempo. The Bears took an early 8-5 lead on a three-point play by Pierce. Potsdam would extend the lead to 16-11 on a layup by sophomore Rob Duquette with 11:46. Unfortunately for Potsdam, that would be their last field goal of the half. Brockport then used an extended 18-7 run to take a 29-23 lead into the break, which was their largest lead of the half. The teams were whistled for 21 fouls in the half and Brockport held a 24-20 rebounding advantage.

Three times in the second half, the Bears cut the Golden Eagle lead to one point, but Potsdam couldn’t even the score. Junior Josh Lambert hit a driving layup to cut the Brockport lead to 31-30 at the 17:05 mark. The teams traded the next few baskets before the Golden Eagles again put some space between the Bears and themselves. A three-pointer from Ivy capped a 7-2 run and gave Brockport their biggest lead of the half at 44-36. A three-pointer from Pierce with 13 seconds remaining cut the cap to 59-44, but Potsdam couldn’t get any closer. The Golden Eagles hit three of their final four free throws to put the game out of reach and clinch the 62-57 win.

Brockport senior guard Gerald Williams and junior forward Donnell Jackson each finished with 14 points. Lambert contributed 12 for the Bears. The Golden Eagles shot 43 percent from the floor, while Potsdam was held to 33 percent.

The Bears return to action tomorrow afternoon for a 4 p.m. tipoff against SUNY Geneseo in Welsh Gymnasium.